DFS Policy Notices
The Department of Forensic Science periodically disseminates policy notifications to all agencies served. Such notifications can be found below.
For notices regarding Section Workloads, click here.
Policy Notices
Notice – Impact of Shortage of DNA Testing Supplies on Forensic Biology Case Processing – March 22, 2021
DFS Policy Change – Latent Print Database (AFIS/NGI) Search Results – February 10, 2021
DFS Policy Change – Locations Used in Automatic NIBIN Searching -December 7, 2020
DFS Policy Change – Reinstitution of the DFS Policy Requiring a Court Order for Analysis in Simple Possession of Marijuana Cases – June 23, 2020
DFS Policy Change – Use of Paint Cans for Trace Evidence Submissions (Fire Debris/Ignitable Liquid Analysis) – June 10, 2020
DFS Policy Change – Implementation of Semi-Quantitative Method for Cannabis sativa Plant Material and Rescission of DFS Policy Requiring Court Order for Analysis in Simple Possession of Marijuana Cases – January 24, 2020 (Updated on June 23, 2020)
DFS Policy Change – Revised Procedure for Methamphetamine Purity Determinations – January 6, 2020
DFS Policy Change – Resubmission of Latent Prints for Continued NGI Searching From Pre-2013 Unsolved Cases – November 5, 2019
DFS Policy Change – NIBIN Potential Association Notification – March 11, 2019
DFS Policy Change – Automated Results for Digital & Multimedia Examinations – March 11, 2019
DFS Policy Change – Administrative Sampling Plan for NIBIN Searches – October 15, 2018
Notice of DFS Temporary Closure – September 11, 2018
DFS Revised – Expanded NIBIN Search Areas, Changes to Toolmark and Distance Determination Submission Policies – April 2, 2018
DFS Revised Controlled Substances Submission and Weighing Policies – December 1, 2017
DFS Policy Notice – “Trace” DNA Submission Policy Revised – June 9, 2017
Notes: “Trace” DNA was previously referred to as “Touch” DNA. All other DNA submission policies remain unchanged, but are restated in this Notice for convenience.
DFS Policy Notice – Triaging of Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) Testing to Expedite Analysis – March 29, 2017
DFS Policy Change – New DUI Law and Corresponding Revisions to Process for Handling Blood Samples in Search Warrant DUI Cases – March 16, 2017
Revisions to Collection Time Periods for Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) Samples – effective September 16, 2016
DFS Policy Change – Revised Reporting Practices for Previously Unidentified Latent Prints with Subsequent Potential Identification through AFIS – effective June 15, 2016
DFS Policy Change – DUI/DUID Testing Protocol for Blood Samples in Implied Consent Cases – effective May 31, 2016
DFS Policy Change – NIBIN Association Reporting – effective July 9, 2015
Service Restoration Notices
Restoration of Trace Evidence Services in Explosives and Primer Residue (Gun Shot Residue) – effective July 1, 2016
Restoration of Video Analysis Services – effective June 23, 2015
Service Reduction Notices
Elimination of Questioned Documents Services – effective October 14, 2016
Reduction of Trace Evidence Services – effective November 5, 2014 (services partially restored on July 1, 2016)
Reduction of Forensic Photography Services – effective November 4, 2014
Reduction of Digital and Multimedia Evidence Services – effective November 4, 2014 (services partially restored on June 23, 2015)
Evidence Submission Policies
Revised Marijuana Submission Policy – dated October 22, 2014, rescinded by policy above dated January 24, 2020
Submission Policy for Safe Packaging of Syringes – effective April 17, 2013
Submission Policy for Familial DNA Searching – effective March 9, 2011
Submission Policy for Drug Residues – effective July 1, 2005